What Pollution Does Ozone Cause to the Environment

Ozone isn't always an enemy. The stratospheric ozone layer serves as Earth's protective umbrella, absorbing 99% of ultraviolet rays and protecting organisms from radiation damage. This is its irreplaceable advantage. However, near-ground tropospheric ozone is a typical secondary pollutant, causing profound harm to the environment and human activities.

Ozone's "Disadvantages": Pollution and Harmful Principles

Tropospheric ozone is not emitted directly but is a product of photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under high temperatures and intense sunlight. Its strong oxidizing properties damage cell structures, triggering a chain reaction of pollution:
For organisms: It penetrates the stomata of plant leaves, oxidizes chlorophyll and enzymes, and inhibits photosynthesis; it irritates the respiratory tract of animals, causing inflammation.
For the atmosphere: It is a core component of photochemical smog and, in combination with PM2.5, creates synergistic pollution, reducing visibility and exacerbating haze.

Agriculture and Forestry: Ozone causes a 10%-30% reduction in yields of crops like wheat and rice, and causes necrotic spots on leaves. It also reduces the resistance of trees like pine and poplar, accelerating forest degradation.
For transportation: Vehicle exhaust is a major source of NOx, accelerating ozone production. High concentrations of ozone can irritate drivers' respiratory tracts, compromising driving safety.
For outdoor farming: Poultry and livestock exposed to high ozone levels for a long time are susceptible to pneumonia, slow growth, and reduce farming efficiency.

How to control ozone pollution?

Source reduction: Strictly control NOx emissions from industries (such as chemical and thermal power plants), promote new energy vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions; industries like painting and printing need to purify VOCs.

Technical intervention: Utilize technologies such as activated carbon adsorption, photocatalytic decomposition, and ozone decomposition catalysts to reduce the concentration of precursors in local areas.

Policy coordination: Establish a cross-regional joint prevention and control mechanism, and strengthen production restrictions for businesses and vehicle restrictions during high summer temperatures.
Ozone pollution control requires a two-pronged approach: "source control + technological upgrades." Only by reducing precursor emissions can ozone return to its role as a "protector," safeguarding the ecosystem and human health.

author: Hazel
date: 2025-10-09